Today, GKIDS announced that it has acquired theatrical and home video rights for North America to the critical and box office sensation, LOOK BACK. GKIDS will release LOOK BACK in in theaters nationwide starting October 4th in its original Japanese language.
The Film Adaptation of the Critically Acclaimed Manga, LOOK BACK, is Coming to North American Theaters
Directed and adapted for the screen by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, LOOK BACK is based on the critically acclaimed manga of the same name from globally beloved and award-winning writer, Tatsuki Fujimoto (Chainsaw Man). Upon its release, the original manga boasted 2.5 million reads on its first date of digital publication. It then climbed to over 4 million in two days. The manga went on to receive numerous awards and nominations. Among those nominations was a nomination at the 2023 Eisner Awards.
LOOK BACK debuted at this year’s Annecy International Film Festival to multiple packed house screenings and rave reviews. Additionally, it held sold-out premieres at New York City’s Japan Cuts and Los Angeles’ Anime Expo. Upon its domestic release, LOOK BACK was a box office darling, having originally opened on 119 screens and quickly climbing to over 1 billion yen at the box office in the first two weeks. Due to popular demand, LOOK BACK remains in theaters and has since expanded its Japanese domestic run.
The film is the first feature production from Studio Durian, the studio founded by Director Oshiyama. Prior to LOOK BACK, Oshiyama has held key roles in several acclaimed works. These include Key Animator on Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron, Character Designer for the anime adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man, and Director of Flip Flappers – his series directorial debut. LOOK BACK is Oshiyama’s feature-length directorial debut.
Synopsis of the Film
Popular, outgoing Fujino is celebrated by her classmates for her funny comics in the class newspaper. One day, her teacher asks her to share the space with Kyomoto, a truant recluse whose beautiful artwork sparks a competitive fervor in Fujino. What starts as jealousy transforms when Fujino realizes their shared passion for drawing.
Based on the acclaimed manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man, LOOK BACK captures the highs and lows of pursuing artistic excellence as well as the special bonds formed through creative collaboration. The heart-wrenching story will leave audiences in tears and inspire viewers to chase their own artistic dreams.
